Milk is a good source of calcium and protein, important nutrients for strong bones and muscles. However, you may need to limit how much milk you drink if you have kidney disease, since phosphorus and potassium can drug addiction build up in the body and cause health problems. High calcium levels in the urine can predispose individuals to developing calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate kidney stones. More than 80% of kidney stones globally comprise calcium oxalate (CaOx).

They can provide evaluation and recommendations to protect and improve your kidney function. The relationship between alcohol and kidney pain involves various mechanisms, from dehydration to direct organ stress. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to protect your kidneys while making informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
The Impact of Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Early diagnosis for alcohol and kidney damage, along with a personalized treatment plan, can significantly improve your quality of life. Even if you don’t have diabetes now, alcohol can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with weight gain and a poor diet. That means you could be increasing your risk for two major kidney stressors—alcohol and blood sugar—at the same time.
Treatment for Kidney Damage

Kidney injury, also known as kidney trauma or kidney bruising, is different from acute kidney injury. Always speak with a healthcare professional before changing or adjusting your diet or exercise routine. It’s never too late to unlearn behaviors that damage your health.
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In addition to drinking more fluids, you can eat water-rich foods such as can drinking cause kidney pain fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink extra water if you have coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential causes of your pain.
Soda’s effect on kidney function
Heavy drinking, defined as more than three drinks per day for women and four drinks per day for men, significantly increases the risk of developing kidney disease. Binge drinking, consuming five or more drinks within a short time, can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden drop in kidney function that may result in lasting damage. Regular heavy drinking over time can cause permanent kidney damage. Alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on kidney function. As a natural part of their function, kidneys filter harmful substances from the blood, including alcohol.
What are the first signs of kidney damage due to alcohol?
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, rapidly increasing urine production and fluid loss. This occurs because alcohol inhibits vasopressin (ADH) release from the pituitary gland. Normally, ADH signals kidneys to reabsorb water, maintaining fluid balance. When suppressed, kidneys excrete more water, leading to dehydration. Consuming alcohol affects various parts of your body, including your kidneys. Moderate drinking, such as one or two drinks now and then, usually has no severe effects.
- For kidney pain, you may start with a visit to your primary care doctor or a nephrologist—a doctor who diagnoses and treats kidney diseases.
- Kidney pain after drinking alcohol may occur due to acute kidney injury or an infection.
- Still, if you’ve ever woken up after drinking with pain in your back or side, it might surprise you to learn that your kidneys could be the source of your discomfort.
In this article, we will explore the dangers and consequences of alcohol consumption, what to know about kidney disease, and how sobriety can lead to a healthier life. You have a life of celebrations ahead of you, so let us help you stay free of kidney disease related to alcohol. Some accompanying signs signal a dangerous infection, bleeding, or loss of kidney function. These bean-shaped organs are the body’s natural filtration system, working 24/7 to eliminate toxins, balance electrolytes, and regulate blood pressure. Yet alcohol, especially when consumed heavily or frequently, can silently sabotage these vital functions.
Can drinking soda after exercise contribute to kidney pain?
Yes, in many cases, the kidneys can recover from alcohol-induced damage once alcohol use is reduced or stopped. The sooner you intervene and adopt healthier habits, the better your chances of preserving kidney function. Strategies to support recovery include maintaining a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and staying hydrated. The kidneys are essential in maintaining the body’s fluid levels and keeping the right balance of chemicals and electrolytes in the blood. Alcohol affects these functions by disrupting the hormonal control mechanisms that govern kidney function. In the absence of ADH, the kidneys produce more dilute urine, allowing more water to leave the body.
- Some data rehabs suggests that alcohol consumption and kidney stones could be related.
- Supporting kidney health, especially with alcohol consumption, involves mindful habits.
- Binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and even lasting kidney damage.
- Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side, back, or below the ribs that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity.
- Heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks a day for women and more than four drinks a day for men.
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This happens when the cyst blocks the flow of urine, making the kidney swollen. Your kidneys are on each side of the backbone, beneath the rib cage. Additionally, it is advisable to treat related conditions like adrenal gland insufficiency which would contribute to hyponatremia. Educating oneself about the impact of diuretic medications or any new prescriptions should be given key importance.
- Many common conditions that cause kidney pain can affect just one kidney.
- Detailed illustration showing human kidneys with visual indicators of dehydration and stress due to alcohol consumption, set against an abstract medical-themed background.
- If you’re having trouble with substance use disorder and want to live a healthier life, let us help you take the next step forward.
- Regular heavy drinking over time can cause permanent kidney damage.
True kidney pain usually sits just below the rib cage in the back, is deep and constant, and often comes with urinary changes, fever, or nausea. Common causes include kidney stones, infections, dehydration, or obstruction, but dangerous conditions such as bleeding or kidney failure also exist. Binge drinking—4+ drinks for women or 5+ for men in about 2 hours—can trigger acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden loss of kidney function. Though rare, AKI can result from dehydration, low blood pressure, or muscle breakdown, and in severe cases, may require dialysis.